A small fern, found only on a few Pacific islands, contains over 100 meters of DNA in each cell, more than any known organism. "The fern, known as Tmesipteris oblanceolata, has round structures that produce spores", says Oriane Hidalgo.A printed version of the entire human genome would fill 220 large books. However, printing the...
Credit: CanvasBats are incredible creatures with unique biological traits that enable them to survive and thrive in ways that seem almost impossible. From their rapid heart rates during flight to their remarkable longevity, bats defy many expectations of mammalian biology. Understanding these traits could offer insights into extending human health and lifespan.Bats in FlightWhen...
Credit: PixabayCrows, in a behavioral study, demonstrated the ability to generate a specific number of calls, indicating their capacity for advance planning. The sequential nature of their calls allows for prediction of the total count from the initial call.However, this discovery was made by a research team led by Professor Andreas Nieder from...
Credit: CanvasToday, let's talk about a part of the body that doesn't get much attention but is incredibly important: the anus. This little opening at the end of our digestive tract is essential for our survival and the survival of many animals on Earth.The Journey of DigestionInside your body, the digestive system is a...
Credit: PixabayA recent study suggests that a novel model for forecasting the influence of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa might pave the way for more precise interventions aimed at controlling the disease.Previous techniques relied on rainfall measurements to infer the presence of surface water conducive to mosquito breeding. However, a study led...
An mRNA vaccine against glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer, has shown promise in a new clinical trial DepositphotosGlioblastoma, among the deadliest cancers, has limited treatment options. However, a recent small-scale clinical trial showcased an mRNA vaccine that swiftly activates the immune system against tumors, showing encouraging outcomes.Glioblastoma stands as the predominant brain cancer...
An artist's impression of the Ediacaran Period, a time when the Earth's magnetic field was at its weakest University of Rochester illustration / Michael OsadciwThe Earth's magnetic field is crucial for supporting life as it shields the planet from the Sun's radiation, preventing sterilization. However, a recent study proposes that life as we know it...
The bio-inspired device replicates the manner in which leeches (pictured) draw blood through the skinDepositphotosWhile leeches might evoke discomfort, hypodermic needles often evoke even more fear. This is one motivation behind the creation of a novel blood collection device inspired by leeches, offering a less invasive method for obtaining blood samples.In addition to...
Some chickens not only express their dissatisfaction with a disgruntled squawk but also exhibit blushing when they are suddenly picked up. According to a recent study, similar to humans, this reddening of the facial skin in chickens signifies an aroused emotional reaction.
We still wouldn't call a T. rex not that clever to their face. Credit: PixabayAlthough we prefer not to speak negatively about extinct creatures, recent physiological analysis suggests that the Tyrannosaurus rex, once thought to be highly intelligent, may not have been as clever as previously believed. This challenges earlier research from last year that compared...
